What is that
Labioplasty is a surgical operation belonging to the group of so-called intimate cosmetic surgery operations .
- The reduction labioplasty, in which the dimensions of the small lips are reduced;
- The increase labioplasty, in which the dimensions of the small lips, considered too thin, are increased.
In the course of the article, however, we will mainly deal with the first type of intervention, that is the reduction labioplasty (henceforth abbreviated simply as "labioplastica").
Did you know that ...
According to some doctors, labioplasty and intimate cosmetic surgery are completely unnecessary operations, which can cause various problems, including decreased pleasure during intercourse. Indeed, some doctors opposed to these practices have come to define labioplasty and vaginoplasty as forms of female genital mutilation.
Because it is carried out
Why Do You Make Labioplasty?
As mentioned, through labioplasty it is possible to correct any asymmetries and / or remove any excess tissue from the labia minora.
Such an intervention is usually required when the labia minora are relaxed, or when they are in a condition of hypertrophy caused by causes of different origin and nature (such as, for example, causes linked to aging, congenital causes, as a result of childbirth, etc.).
Although it is true that many women resort to labioplasty for purely aesthetic purposes and / or for the purpose of rejuvenating their genitals (anti-age treatments for female genitals), in some cases, labioplasty could be a necessary intervention. This is the case in which the hypertrophy of the labia minora creates problems and discomforts from the physical point of view, making it difficult to carry out certain activities (such as, for example, sexual intercourse and sport) after which rubbing can be irritated, pain, cuts, or worse, lacerations.
At the same time, hypertrophy or relaxation of the labia minora can cause a psychological discomfort, which leads women to resort to labioplasty operations. In fact, some patients see their genitals "altered" and feel uncomfortable when they wear certain clothes (such as, for example, tight pants, swimsuits or underwear) and, for this reason, feel limited and, to some extent meaning, "inadequate".
Of course, this does not mean that the use of labioplasty is the only possible solution. The possibility of undergoing such an intervention, in fact, must be carefully analyzed together with the surgeon, through the execution of a specific preliminary visit, within which the specialist will evaluate the problem and determine whether the operation is actually required.
Therefore, in the light of what has been said so far, we can say that the labioplasty should be carried out only in the case of real needs from the medical point of view and not by whim or to follow the trends of the moment.
Curiosity
In July 2017, the BBC published an interview with a gynecologist of adolescence and childhood who denounced how the demand for labioplasty and vaginoplasty interventions by adolescent patients is increasing more and more.
In fact, the data collected in this regard are alarming, since it has been estimated that between 2015 and 2016, in England, as many as 200 girls under the age of 18 have undergone labioplasty interventions and, of these 200 patients, as many as 150 were less than 15 years of age when they resorted to this operation of aesthetic medicine.
Before the surgery
As stated above, before the labioplasty intervention the patient must make a preliminary visit by the surgeon. If the latter establishes that there are the conditions for carrying out the operation, it will provide the patient with the necessary information to follow before undergoing the operation.
In addition to maintaining adequate personal hygiene, doctors often advise using gynecological disinfectant washes and inguinal hair removal. Furthermore, the surgeon can suggest the patient to suspend any ongoing pharmacological treatments (such as, for example, the intake of acetylsalicylic acid) and to suspend the smoking habit, if present.
Finally, a few days before the operation, the doctor may decide to undertake antibiotic prophylaxis in order to prevent the onset of bacterial infections.
The intervention
How is the intervention of the Laboplasty performed?
The labioplasty procedure must be performed by surgeons specialized in this field. The operation is carried out under local anesthesia - with or without sedation, depending on the patient's wishes - as a day hospital or as an outpatient procedure.
The removal of excess tissue is carried out using the classic scalpel, but some centers of aesthetic medicine also offer the possibility of performing labioplasty using laser technology.
The duration of the intervention is relatively short and can vary from about 30 to 60 minutes.
At the end of the operation, the doctor will proceed to suture the treated areas, on which he will also place appropriate dressings.
Curiosity
In the case of augmentation labioplasty, the surgeon can inject small hyaluronic acid fillers into the small lips which are intended to flesh out the area in question. Alternatively, the increase in the size of the labia minora can also be done by injecting autologous fat (lipofilling).
After the Intervention
After the operation, the patient is already able to walk and sit, but will have to observe a rest period of about a week, even if the duration of this period may vary depending on the type of work performed by the same patient. However, at this stage, the doctor can advise the patient to locally apply local antiseptics for topical use and / or to take antibiotics for oral use. At the same time, in case of pain, the doctor can prescribe the administration of pain-relieving drugs.
Furthermore, in the post-operative period it is advisable not to wear excessively tight clothing and instead, it is advisable to carry out gynecological cleanings to ensure optimal intimate hygiene.
Usually, the stitches are reabsorbed over 10-15 days and sports activities can resume after about 3-4 weeks. Sexual relations, on the other hand, must not be resumed less than thirty days after the execution of the intervention.
Side effects and complications
Side Effects and Complications arising from the Intervention of Labioplasty
Common side effects, which may occur following labioplasty surgery are pain, redness, edema and transient reduction in sensitivity. In patients with scarring difficulties, the suture lines may appear red and rough. In these cases, it is good to inform the surgeon, who will decide how to intervene.
As far as complications are concerned, although rare, following the labioplasty, infections and bleeding could develop. Even in this case, the doctor's intervention is absolutely necessary.
Contraindications
The labioplasty procedure cannot be performed in the presence of infections or other diseases affecting the female genitals.
Furthermore, labioplasty is generally contraindicated in pregnancy, during lactation and in the case of an ongoing menstrual cycle.
Finally, surgery is also not recommended for patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases, immune system disorders and / or coagulation disorders.
costs
The cost of the labioplasty intervention depends on numerous factors and includes the surgeon's and anesthesiologist's fees, the costs for the operating room, the costs for hospitalization, for medications, for check-ups, etc.
In any case, in principle, an intervention of this type has a cost that varies from approximately 1, 500 to 2, 000 euros.
However, more often than not, the operation of labioplasty is carried out in association with other intimate cosmetic surgery operations; therefore, in such cases, the final cost of the operations will be greater.
